ADAMTS-13

A member of the metalloprotease family which is responsible for cleaving high molecular weight von Willebrand Factors (vWF). The cleavage of the vWF multimers reduces their size. Note: In Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) there is a decrease or absence of ADAMTS-13 which leads to larger vWF multimers that increases the chance of forming platelet thrombi and leading to microvascular thrombosis.